Athletics will be calendared sanctioned by the International Paralympic Committee through US Paralympics. Results for IPC licensed athletes will count towards rankings. All other sports are sanctioned by WASUSA.

Events

Archery: (for classes AR1, AR2, and AR3) Athletes are expected to provide their own bows and arrows.

Table Tennis: 8 Stigga Expert (wheelchair adapted) tables available.
Open Singles and Open Doubles will be contest for classifications TT1-TT10

Track: 8 Lane Mondo Super X surface 400 Meter Track made of the same material as the track used in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing with Lynx Timing System International Paralympic Committee Calendared Sanctioned

Weightlifting: Power and Bench styles will be contested

Fencing: contesting Epée and Sabre styles

The Embassy Suites Host Hotel is located on the USF Campus which is approximately 16 miles northeast of Tampa International Airport. The All Peoples Life Center is approximately 5 miles from the Host Hotel. The Temple Terrace Family Recreation Complex is located approximately 3.28 miles from Embassy Suites and 4 miles from All Peoples Life Center.

Each athlete will be classified according to his or her functional ability to allow fair competition between athletes with similar abilities. The adult international classification systems will be utilized. All athletes must have classifications minimally at the regional level to compete at the Dixie Games. Dixie Games will be completing Domestic National Level Classifications for Athletics, Archery, and Table Tennis with Regional Level only for Swimming for USA domestic athletes only.

All international athletes must have classifications to enter. If you feel there is a change in your athlete’s functional ability due to a change in medical status, you can complete the “Request for Classification Review” form included in this packet. All athletes needing classification must be classified during the scheduled time.

Athletes needing classification will be notified via email. Athletes who fail to complete the classification process during this time will be scratched from those events where they do not have a classification.

Swimmers need to go through bench testing during registration/classification time and a water test on:

Friday May 7, 2010 only from 11:00-12:30 at the Temple Terrace Recreational Center. There will be no exceptions to this. Water test time will be assigned during classification.

Registration

The registration fee is $75 and will include the event t-shirt, competition entry fees for all events eligible to compete, Dixie’s 30th Birthday Bash, and 2 box lunch meals. Coaches and parents/family can pre-purchase additional box lunches for $10 per day as well as a ticket for Dixie’s 30th Birthday Bash for $10. They must be pre-ordered so the proper number is ordered. They will not be available to purchase during Check-In. The box lunches will be served at All Peoples Life Center.

An athlete summary form to confirm your registration and what is missing will be emailed to you. With the exception of needing to be classified all items must be resolved by the registration deadline date (postmarked by April 25, 2010).

Late registrations will be assessed a $30 late fee. All athletes must be checked-in by 11:00 AM, Friday, May 7th or they will not be eligible to compete. Athletes may be registered by their coaches if they do not need to be classified.

Events will be heated based on classification, age division, gender and qualifying times. Due to limited numbers in some events various classifications and age group athletes may be heated together if qualifying times are competitive in order to expedite the running of the competition. However, placements will be based on classification, age and gender where
applicable. Athletes can participate in a maximum of 7 individual swimming events with only 1 IM event allowed.

When reporting to registration check-in coaches/athletes will be expected to verify by initialing each athlete’s events, classification, date of birth, and gender.

THIS IS YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CORRECTIONS UNLESS IT IS THE ERROR OF THE LOC.

Junior Age Divisions

Competitive age for junior events is determined by the athlete’s age by year of birth.

Everyone must submit the attached medical form to be completed by the parent or athlete (if 18 years old). These forms will be provided to the staff covering medical.

Dress Code

All athletes will be expected to dress according to the rules of competition. It is the responsibility of each athlete to know the dress code for each event in which they wish to compete. Failure to comply could result in possible DQ according to National Governing Body rules.

Sport Rules

The rules for each US NGB will be enforced during all events. All competitors are expected to know the rules of each sport in which they compete. The honest effort rule will be in effect for the Dixie Games. In
other words, if the Referee determines that an athlete intentionally missed an event without scratching the night before at the coaches meeting and does not have a medical reason for scratching, he/she can be disqualified from all remaining events in that sport.

Equipment

Helmets will be required for all wheelchair track events for juniors. Adults are required for 800M and longer. Athletes will be expected to bring their own helmets for track; bows & arrows for archery; table tennis paddles, etc. All other equipment, such as field implements, and table-tennis tables will be certified and provided by the LOC. Athletes may use their personal implements for field events however they must be turned in to the trailer by 6:00 pm on Friday May 7, 2010 so they can be weighed and measured. If the trailer is locked, call Randy Chiavaroli at 727-271-6411. They will then be available for all athletes to use in the specific field pit. They will not be returned until after the competition is over and the results verified in case it needs to be reweighed and measured for records.

Protest

A protest procedure will be in effect for the Dixie Games. A $25 filing fee will be required when submitting the protest. Protests must be submitted according to the appropriate sport rules. This filing fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld or the fee will be forfeited if the protest is declined.

Conduct

The Local Organizing Committee reserves the right to withdraw an athlete from further competition for profanity, abusive behavior or other inappropriate conduct. Absolutely no alcohol or tobacco is to be used in the competition area by athletes, coaches, support staff, parents, or spectators.

Awards

Spirit of Excellence Awards will be provided to one (1) male and one (1) female adult and junior athlete for each sport who displays exemplary vision, focus, commitment, persistence, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Nomination forms will be available at the coaches meetings. Athletes will receive a certificate of official results at the end of the competition.

Transportation and Equipment Storage

Each team/individual will be responsible for their own ground transportation between the airport, hotels and venue sites. Tampa is served by all the major car rental agencies.

Storage of racing chairs will be available at the USF track during the scheduled warm up time on May 8th from 3-5 pm until the end of track the next day. Storage of seated throwing frames is available at All People’s Center. This must be requested on the registration form so we make sure we have enough storage space available. Storage of competition equipment is at your own risk.

Dixie’s 30th Birthday Bash

Celebrate Dixie’s 30th Birthday at Embassy Suites on Saturday evening May 8th 8-10 pm. Join in the fun which includes pizza and Cesar salad appetizers, water/tea, cake, DJ with music, recognition of sponsors, and Spirit of Excellence Awardees. Must have a ticket to attend. This is included with the registration fee however non-registered coaches/parents/friends can purchase a ticket during pre-registration process for $10.

Weather Concerns

Tampa could be hot in May! Daytime temperatures can rise above 90 degrees during mid-day. Humidity levels can be as high creating very uncomfortable conditions. Bring a hat with you, limit your time in the sun, and drink plenty of fluids. The LOC will provide appropriate shade for staging and plenty of water. Some sunscreen will be available at the medical tent. Bottled water will be available at all competition venues. Head of delegations should plan to bring or purchase shade tents for their individual teams.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms will be available at each venue. Catheter bags are to be emptied in the restrooms only.

Due to the heat and humidity athletes are expected to bag and tie their disposable hygiene items prior to disposing of them in the waste receptacles.